What can the US learn from these economic problems in France?
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No end in sight for uncertainty over multi-year energy planning – The new multi-year energy plan (PPE3), which is intended to chart France’s energy trajectory to 2035, is still pending despite nearly three years of consultations. The energy industry is growing impatient and concerned about reports of a temporary ban on new onshore renewable projects. Prime minister Lecornu (prior to the formation of his new government) denied allegations that he prepared the policy. An attempt to pass a moratorium on new renewable energy projects (via the Gremillet law) was already rejected by MPs in June. Against the backdrop of a particularly complex national political context, negotiations on the PPE3 are ongoing. The far-right National Rally party, which opposes renewables, is using this issue to criticise the government.
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Uncertainties surrounding nuclear power financing – The Court of Auditors expressed concerns regarding the financial health and long-term financing capacity of EDF, France’s state-owned electric utility, noting that the 54.3 billion euro debt it accrued by the end of 2024 represented an increase of 23 billion euros over twelve years. The company is expected to invest heavily in expanding nuclear power in the country regardless. In January, the auditors had already pointed to the “many technical, organisational and indu
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Renewable energy on the rise – Renewables accounted for 15.8 percent of France’s primary energy consumption in 2024, a 4.4 percent increase on the previous year, according to the latest figures by the Data and Statistical Studies Department. Although biomass and hydro remain at the top of the list, the growth is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of heat pumps, wind power, biogas and photovoltaics. Renewables were the third-largest source of energy consumed in France in 2024, behind nuclear (41%) and oil (28%), and ahead of gas (12%).